watchOS 4.2 Adds Ski and Snowboard Activity Support for Apple Watch Series 3

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watchOS 4.2 Adds Ski and Snowboard Activity Support for Apple Watch Series 3

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Apple has rolled out new technology in the Apple Watch Series 3 that’s geared specifically toward skiers and snowboarders.

According to a new press release from the company, the new Apple Watch software, with its built-in GPS, accelerometer, and altimeter, works in tandem with a slew of newly improved apps that aim to make it easier for you to record the stats from your day on the hill – miles skied, number of runs, maximum speed, calories burned, and more – all from a handy device on your wrist.

The new feature requires the latest Apple Watch — the first to include a barometric altimeter — and one of several third-party apps, including Snoww, Slopes, Squaw Alpine, Snocru, or Ski Tracks.

“Having the ability to track the details of runs with Apple Watch is an incredible asset for everyone from training athletes to skiers and riders just looking to have fun and stay active,” said Jonny Moseley, Olympic Moguls Gold Medalist and Squaw Alpine Mountain Ambassador.

“The Squaw Alpine app for Apple Watch helps me when I’m out with my family to not only track exactly where my kids are on the mountain, but also compare our performance, so I can make sure I’m keeping up with my sons and add some fun competition to our day,” Moseley continued.

watchOS 4.2 has been updated with custom workout APIs, enabling developers to track ski- and snowboard-specific metrics, including total vertical descent, horizontal distance, number of runs, and average/maximum speeds.

“We’re thrilled with the updates Apple Watch Series 3 and watchOS 4.2 allow us to make” said Eddy Healey, developer of snoww. “We designed snoww thinking about quick interactions and glances while out on the mountain, so these updates have helped us make it easy to record accurate, relevant metrics as well as create a fun and social experience for our users.”

Since these updates and features rely on new APIs for developers, one’s Apple Watch Series 3 must be running watchOS 4.2 in order to take advantage of the aforementioned apps.